The short answer
Visible Exterior Roof Damage
Look at your roof from the ground with binoculars after high winds. Missing, cracked, or lifted shingles signal wind damage. You might also see damaged flashing around vents or chimneys. These breaches can allow water into your attic, leading to secondary problems if not addressed quickly.
Curled or torn shingle edges are common after storms. Check for granules from asphalt shingles collecting in gutters, which indicates wear from wind uplift. If you see any of these signs, it's wise to have the attic inspected for hidden moisture or structural compromise that isn't visible from outside.
Interior Attic Inspection Signs
Enter your attic with a good flashlight and look for points of daylight coming through the roof boards. This is a definitive sign of a breach. Also, check for any moisture stains, damp insulation, or active drips on the wood, which mean wind has already allowed water inside.
New piles of dust or debris on the attic floor can be blown in through new gaps. Listen for whistling or howling sounds during windy days, which indicate air infiltration. Feel for drafts. These subtle clues often appear before major water damage becomes obvious in your living spaces below.
- Daylight visible through roof sheathing or rafters.
- Active water drips or new moisture stains on wood.
- Damp, discolored, or compressed insulation.
- Dust, leaves, or insect nests that weren't there before.
- Bent, cracked, or sagging roof framing members.
- Loose or lifted panels of roof sheathing.
Structural and Sound Indicators
Inspect the attic's structure for any shifting. Look for rafters or trusses that appear bent, cracked, or no longer properly aligned. Pay attention to the sheathing, the flat panels under the shingles. If any panels are lifting or pulling away from nails, wind has likely compromised the roof's integrity.
New creaking, popping, or groaning noises from the attic during wind events are significant warnings. These sounds can indicate that structural components are moving under stress. Persistent noises, especially after a known storm, should prompt a closer look for the physical signs of damage mentioned elsewhere.
When to Call a Professional
If you see any signs of breach, moisture, or structural concern, contact local water damage pros for an inspection. They can assess the full extent of wind and any subsequent water damage. An expert evaluation helps prevent minor issues from turning into major, costly repairs involving mold or rot.
Do not delay an inspection if you find leaks. Water from a wind-damaged roof can quickly soak insulation and wood, creating an environment for mold growth within 24 to 48 hours. The pros have tools to detect moisture you cannot see and can outline necessary drying or repair steps.
Addressing Insurance and Next Steps
If you find damage, document everything thoroughly with photos and notes before any temporary repairs. Contact your insurance company to start a claim process, providing your evidence. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Keep records of all communications for your claim file.
While waiting for an adjuster, you can perform temporary mitigations like placing a tarp over visible holes to prevent further water intrusion. However, avoid making permanent repairs until the damage is officially documented. A professional inspection report from water damage pros can be valuable evidence for your insurance claim.
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Call (702) 878-3744 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (702) 878-3744Frequently asked questions
Can wind damage cause leaks if my shingles look fine?
Yes. Wind can lift shingles enough to break the waterproof seal without tearing them off. It can also damage flashing around vents or chimney bases. Water can then be driven up under the shingles during rain, leading to leaks that are hard to trace from the outside.
How soon should I inspect my attic after a storm?
Inspect as soon as it is safe to do so. Early detection of leaks or breaches is critical to limit water damage and mold risk. If you wait, a small leak can cause significant hidden damage to insulation, drywall, and structural wood in your attic and ceilings below.
What if I only hear new noises but see no damage?
New noises often mean something has loosened. Schedule an inspection with local water damage pros. They can check for subtle issues like loose sheathing, compromised seals, or minor framing shifts that aren't visible during a casual look but could worsen in the next wind event.